Finding Balance: In Conversation with François Bonnel

We are delighted to welcome François Bonnel to Maddox Gallery, where he will be part of our group exhibition Connecting Outcomes at Berkeley Street. In this exclusive interview, François shares his inspiring journey from advertising to abstract art, his creative process, and the philosophy that underpins his work. With a distinctive approach rooted in simplicity and joy, François has quickly become a name to watch in the world of contemporary art.

Question: François, your transition from advertising to art is remarkable. Could you tell us about that journey?

François Bonnel: I spent 25 years in advertising, starting with traditional methods such as print and then moving into the digital space. While the field was creative in its way, it became clear that my passion lay elsewhere. Over time, I felt increasingly drawn to art, something that had always been a constant in my life.

Art has been in my DNA since childhood. My mother, a fine arts graduate, and my grandfather were both painters. Our home was filled with creativity—painting, sculpting, crafting, and frequent visits to museums and exhibitions. However, my family didn’t see art as a viable career. They instilled in me the idea that painting was a passion, not a profession. That mindset stuck with me until much later in life.

At the age of 50, I reached a turning point. I wanted my work to bring me joy and meaning, and painting gave me exactly that. Leaving advertising allowed me to focus on art entirely, with no distractions. What followed was more encouraging than I could have ever imagined—doors opened quickly, and opportunities came in abundance.

Q: Did you approach this new chapter with a structured plan or was it more instinctive?

François Bonnel: It was entirely instinctive. Unlike in business, where strategies and forecasts are critical, art doesn’t follow the same rules. I didn’t have a business plan or a set formula; I just painted and let my intuition guide me.

In the beginning, I sought advice from a local art collector in Toulouse, who was incredibly supportive. He encouraged me to paint more and connect with professional artists. This led to countless visits to studios, where I learned from others and honed my craft. It felt like I was making up for lost time, rediscovering the joy I’d always found in creating.

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Q: Were you formally trained in art, or has your approach been self-taught?

François Bonnel: My journey was unconventional. I didn’t study fine arts formally, but my upbringing provided a rich foundation. My mother nurtured creativity at home, organising hands-on workshops where we made everything from pottery to marionettes and, of course, paintings. It was like a Montessori school for art—playful, free, and entirely without pressure.

As I grew older, I developed my skills naturally, focusing on what inspired me. I started with more academic techniques like portraiture but soon found myself drawn to abstract minimalism. This evolution was gradual and deeply personal, shaped by my experiences and influences rather than formal education.

Q: Why did you choose to focus on abstract art?

François Bonnel: Abstract art has always fascinated me. Around a decade ago, I realised that my personal taste leaned towards minimalism and abstraction. I was particularly inspired by post-war abstract painters like Ellsworth Kelly, Sean Scully and Carmen Herrera, whose use of colour and form felt both profound and liberating.

Abstraction allows me to explore simplicity and balance, creating compositions that resonate deeply with me. It also aligns with my philosophy of art as a source of pleasure. Unlike some artists, I don’t paint to convey a political message or to process inner struggles. For me, it’s about the joy of creation and the satisfaction of producing something that feels harmonious and uplifting.

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Q: How has social media influenced your career as an artist?

François Bonnel: Social media, especially Instagram, has been transformative for me. In 2019, I started sharing my work online without any real expectations. To my surprise, it attracted attention from galleries and agents, which led to collaborations with notable spaces like Piermarq in Australia.

A major breakthrough came when Abstract Mag, an Instagram gallery with over a million followers, featured my work. This not only connected me with collectors but also introduced me to a global community of artists. We would exchange ideas, share opportunities, and recommend galleries to one another. This spirit of collaboration was invaluable, particularly in the early stages of my career.

Q: Can you walk us through your creative process?

François Bonnel: My process is rooted in simplicity and spontaneity. It begins with an idea, often inspired by a shape or colour that captures my attention. I usually start on a tablet or computer, experimenting with compositions digitally. This allows me to refine the structure without fear of mistakes. Once satisfied, I translate the design onto canvas, but I leave room for improvisation.

I work with basic forms—circles, bands, and blocks of colour—but the challenge lies in making them dynamic. My lines are rarely perfectly straight; this intentional imperfection adds a human touch. Interestingly, I don’t sign my paintings on the front, as I want viewers to feel free to hang them in any orientation.

For me, painting is a joyful process. It’s not about perfection but about creating something that feels balanced and harmonious. I aim to evoke a sense of serenity and positivity in every piece.

Q: Nature seems to play a role in your work. How does it influence you?

François Bonnel: Nature is a profound source of inspiration for me. I find beauty in the simplest things—like the shape of leaves, the way pebbles accumulate on a beach, or the movement of clouds in the sky. There’s a natural elegance to these forms that I try to capture in my work.

While my use of primary colours might appear theoretical, it’s actually grounded in this simplicity. I aim to reflect the timeless and elemental beauty we see in nature, creating pieces that feel both organic and universal.

Q: What are your future plans as an artist?

François Bonnel: I’m focusing on refining my practice and maintaining the freedom to create at my own pace. While I’ve been fortunate to work with many galleries, I’ve learnt to be selective. It’s important to collaborate with those who share my vision and support meaningful, long-term projects.

In terms of upcoming work, I’m exploring new ways to incorporate natural forms into my pieces, continuing to push the boundaries of simplicity and abstraction. Ultimately, my goal is to keep creating art that brings joy—not just to me but to everyone who encounters it.

François Bonnel’s work will be showcased as part of our upcoming group exhibition Connecting Outcomes at Maddox Gallery, Berkeley Street. If you’re interested in exploring his body of work further, we invite you to register your interest and discover more about the artist.

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